Range anxiety is one of the biggest worries for PCO drivers. It happens when your electric vehicle’s battery is dying and you are starting to worry that the vehicle will not reach a charging point or a passenger’s destination.
PCO drivers drive hundreds of miles every day, and EVs take several hours to charge on a standard charger. Even fast chargers can take 30-60 minutes to adequately charge a battery. Downtime due to charging means lost earnings, which can affect your ability to pay the weekly hire fee if you are on a PCO car hire plan.
This article will help PCO drivers understand range anxiety and also guide them on how to manage it. Let’s dive in.
Why PCO Drivers Feel Range Anxiety
Range anxiety stems from several factors. The core fear is being stranded. A driver feels that they might not reach a charger or complete a passenger drop-off before the battery runs out. This situation can lead to a direct fare loss or negative passenger feedback.
Another factor is that PCO drivers operate on tight schedules. They often have back-to-back rides and need to pick up passengers at short notice. A passenger might request a long trip unexpectedly during a ride, or an airport run might appear on the app. The driver cannot risk a low battery in these situations.
Technical causes also play a role. Every EV has a range limit, but it is not a fixed number. Harsh acceleration or speeding drains battery faster. Similarly, cold weather reduces battery range significantly, with heated seats and windows requiring extra power. Hot weather also has an impact on the battery when the air conditioning system is on.
Lastly, a PCO driver is not just a driver. They are running a business, and their car is their office. Every minute counts on the road for them, and a flat battery affects their earnings.
Assessing Your EV Range as a PCO Driver
Smart planning defeats range anxiety. So, start with understanding your actual driving needs. Do not guess. Track your mileage for a week and calculate your average daily distance.
Now, match this to your EV’s range. Do not rely on the official numbers. They are achieved under ideal conditions. Test the car in real-world driving conditions for an accurate idea.
Next, add a sensible buffer. A twenty percent buffer is usually enough to cover detours and unexpected trips.
Decide on a minimum charge level. This is the charge you start your day with. It should comfortably exceed your planned mileage, and anything below it means you should charge the battery first to an optimal level. Also, set a reserve level. This is the point where you stop for a charge. Do not wait until you are nearly empty because this can leave you stranded. A thirty percent reserve is usually a safe practice.
Tips to Minimise Range Anxiety
Overcoming range anxiety is simple with the right knowledge. Here are some tips to help you overcome it:
Charge Smartly
Use Apps like ZapMap to find your nearest charging stations with availability status and connector types. This helps you avoid long queues or the hassle of driving to the wrong connector.
Use your meal or rest breaks as an opportunity to top up when you are low on charge. This minimises downtime and the risk of missing fare opportunities.
Build a strong habit of charging overnight if you have a home charging setup. Start every day with a full charge to minimise the need for charging during your driving hours.
Load Management
Manage your vehicle’s load. Do not carry unnecessary weight because every extra kilogram affects range. Avoid roof racks if you are not using them. They create aerodynamic drag.
You should also use climate control wisely. Heating and air conditioning use lots of power. So, precondition your car while it is still plugged in and heat or cool the cabin before you unplug. This uses grid power, not battery power. During your drive, use seat heaters instead of cabin heat if possible. They use less energy.
Know Charger Types
Slow chargers are for overnight use, while fast chargers are suitable during breaks. Use rapid chargers if you are in a rush because they can add a significant charge in 30-45 minutes.
Use home charging if possible. It is the cheapest and most convenient option.
Also, you should always have a backup plan. Your first choice charger might be busy. So, know the location of two other nearby chargers. Again, use a relevant app to check their status before you drive there.
Conclusion
Range anxiety is manageable with the right planning and habits. The key is to be proactive. Do not wait for problems to happen. Understand the vehicle’s real range and know the charging infrastructure on your routes.
Download an app that shows you nearby charging stations, and map out where you can charge during your shifts. Talk to your car provider as well about their policies for PCO hire or rent to buy cars, depending on your plan’s type. Some providers offer exclusive discounts or access at certain charging stations.
The EV charging infrastructure in London is improving, but it’s far from perfect. By mastering range management, you can drive with peace of mind throughout your shifts.
